"Rose Covered Glasses" is a serious essay, satire and photo-poetry commentary from a group of US Military Veterans in Minnesota.
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Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Supporting Veterans to Attend Accredited College Programs

This article is brought to you courtesy of June
Olson. June recently graduated with a degree in educational
psychology. She currently works as a writer on all things education and is
always interested in connecting with bloggers online. You may reach June at june.olsen80@gmail.com

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The argument that many veterans need education
and numerous support systems when they return from service is a no-brainer.
Adjusting to civilian life after being away at war or stationed abroad is no
joke. An economic downturn adds to the problem by making it hard to find a job.
Feeling stressed and confused, a veteran must then compete with masses of
qualified candidates for very few jobs. Veterans need effective support systems
and support for colleges
online or on campus that consider all aspects of their
needs, including financial assistance and access to educational and/or
vocational training.

When a veteran returns from war, life can be
overwhelming. Going from the camaraderie of military life to living alone or
readjusting to family is only one factor. Flashbacks to horrifying war images
can be common emotional setbacks. Figuring out the next step in life can be
mind-boggling and stressful. Especially for veterans who did not go to college
or train for an occupation before joining the military, career options can seem
limited. Veterans often transition from a situation of a set military schedule
and structure to a life of ambiguities and lack of direction.

Searching for work in a tight job market only
complicates things. A veteran might be a skilled carpenter but live in an area
with no openings in carpentry. Gaining knowledge and skills that can be applied
to available jobs is an important first step. Starting college or going back to
finish a degree becomes essential for getting a job.

Fortunately, help exists. Veterans interested in
college programs that offer two-year degrees or higher can benefit from GI bill
programs. The Post-9/11
GI Billgives veterans who served
for at least 90 days on or after September 11, 2001 access to benefits for
attending accredited colleges and universities. Benefits include a percentage
of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, a stipend for books and
supplies and $500 in cash for veterans who must relocate from a highly rural
area to go to school. This program also offers tutorial assistance benefits and
reimbursement of up to $2,000 for a certification or licensing test. Veterans
can receive benefits for up to 36 months under this bill, which helps them get
back on their feet.The Yellow Ribbon Program is another
alternative. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, degree-granting institutions can make
funds available for veterans through this program. The tuition amount is left
up to the university; the VA matches that amount and pays the university
directly. Veterans must then apply to the university, which then looks at its
number of open slots and notifies the veteran of acceptance into the Yellow
Ribbon Program.

Between
2008 and 2010, the number of veterans
who took advantage of VA education programs increased tremendously. Although
the number of VA undergraduate attendees decreased during that time, attendance
in non-degree and vocational programs saw a significant rise. This trend may
continue as more veterans take advantage of educational benefits programs.

Short-term training and education assistance is
also available for unemployed veterans through the Veterans
Retraining Assistance Program. For veterans who are
at least 35 and ineligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill or other VA-sponsored
education benefit programs, this program may be the answer. It gives
participants a year's worth of full-time pay while enrolled in an approved
technical school or community college. They must train specifically for high
demand occupations in a program that leads to a certification or associates
degree. Through this and other GI bill programs, veterans can ease the
transition to civilian life by going to school and becoming equipped for a
tight job market.

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About Me

2 Tours in US Army Vietnam.
Retired from 36 Years in the Defense Industrial Complex after working on 25 major weapons systems, many of which are in use today in the Middle East.
Volunteer MicroMentor. I specialize in Small, Veteran-owned, Minority-Owned and Woman-Owned Businesses beginning work for the Federal Government.
MicroMentor is a non-profit organization offering free assistance to small business in business planning, operations, marketing and other aspects of starting and successfully operating a small enterprise.
You can set up a case with me at MicroMentor by going to:
http://www.micromentor.org/
key words: "Federal Government Contracting"

The Colors of Hastings

EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE

My gratitude to the person or persons who sent to me a new Sony Cybershot DSC-H90 Camera.There was no return address or acknowledgment of the kindness, other than a one sentence, typewritten note that read:

"For all that you do for others"

I am very grateful and will put the marvelous precision instrument to good use - Ken